Shaw Industries Chooses Quality over Quantity

Only IICRC Certified Firms Permitted to Work on Warranted Products

VANCOUVER, Wash. - September 29, 2005 - During the Connections Convention, Carey Mitchell, Technical Director of Shaw Industries, announced a new company-wide mandate allowing the use of only those firms certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to service carpet covered by their warranties.

The requirement stems from an on-going effort by Shaw Industries, the number one carpet manufacturer in the world, to improve the quality of service providers throughout the industry. For years, unqualified personnel have caused problems for carpet owners who expected a high level of professionalism and care in cleaning their carpet and rugs.

"Shaw's mandate is a step in the right direction for the industry as well as consumers," said IICRC President, Carey Vermeulen. "With a uniform, standardized approach to qualifying professionals, firms will be able to differentiate themselves from those businesses lacking necessary skills and training. Consumers from throughout North America and abroad will be able to identify and locate qualified service professionals holding the IICRC Certified Firm designation."

The commitment follows a Shaw announcement last April supporting the use of CRI-Seal of Approval chemicals and equipment for use in cleaning and maintaining carpet and rugs. More and more professional cleaners are participating in certification programs, such as those approved by the IICRC.

Documentation will ensure that consumers will be directed only toward IICRC-Certified Firms for professional cleaning of carpet under the terms of their new warranty. The new policy will be effective January 1, 2008, giving qualified businesses ample time to apply for IICRC-Certified Firm status.

Look for the IICRC logo when choosing a carpet and textile cleaning service provider.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is an international, independent, non-profit certifying body. It promotes high standards and ethics; while advancing communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration service industry.

The IICRC writes the industry standards and guidelines for the Carpet and Textile Cleaning & Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Structural Drying and Mold Remediation industries.

When you select an IICRC-Certified firm, you can be confident that an experienced, qualified professional is caring for your valuable furnishings. In addition, all IICRC-Certified Technicians pledge to conduct business honestly, always making customer needs the priority.

IICRC-Certified firms employ technicians who have received Certifications in many cleaning and restoration categories. Designations are earned through study, field experience, and successful completion of college-level written examinations.

IICRC Certification cannot simply be purchased. A Certified Firm qualifies by meeting rigorous standards of business ethics and expertise. In addition, they are required to earn continuing education (CE) credits to maintain the Certified Firm status.

Certified Technicians spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to earn their professional designations. The Journeymen designation often requires several years of proven training and field experience. The Master designation is even more rigorous and is the highest professional designation in the industry. Less than 2% of all Certified Technicians ever achieve this prestigious designation.

IICRC-Certified firms are your best choice because:

They are committed to provide cleaning and restoration services based on the highest standard of honesty and integrity.

They pledge to carry adequate liability insurance, and to implement quality assurance programs.

Their knowledge of cleaning and restoration is respected and recognized internationally by fiber producers, carpet and fabric manufacturers, and insurance company representatives.

Walk-off mats and chair mats

80% of dirt is walked off within the first 12 feet of carpet or matting.

•    Be sure that mats are constructed of material that will trap soil and moisture.

•    Clean the mats often. If allowed to soil to the point of saturation, they will become a source of dirt for the carpet instead of protection.

•    The carpet mat should be large enough to ensure that people entering the building will take enough steps on them to remove the soil from their shoes. This normally will require three to five steps.

Chair Mats

We highly recommend chair mats. The wheels of the chair will grind soils into the carpet, scratch the fibers and leave a round, worn area that is permanently discolored.

Vacuuming

More than any other maintenance procedure, regular thorough vacuuming keeps your carpet looking good and performing well. Sandy, gritty soil can become trapped between the yarns, and as foot traffic compresses and moves the fibers, the sharp edges of the soil will scratch and cut the fibers. This results in premature wear and visible damage that looks like soil but can never be cleaned away. It's like using a piece of sandpaper on a mirror; no matter how clean it is, it will never reflect light the same.

Daily vacuuming is the ultimate maintenance procedure, but this is not always possible for the entire facility. Daily vacuuming needs to be done in high traffic areas and entryways leading from outside the facility. Areas that are used less frequently and are not exposed to outside soils can be vacuumed on a lighter schedule.

The type of vacuum you choose is also an important decision. We recommend vacuums with HEPA high efficiency collection bags or systems and a semi-aggressive rotating beater bar or brush, depending upon your carpet type.

We will be glad to put our experience to work in helping you select the proper vacuuming equipment for your facility, and help you design a vacuuming program that will suit the needs of your carpet and your budget.

Spot Removal

Nothing degrades the appearance of a carpet faster than spots that are left untreated. In many facilities, the spots are simply left to accumulate until it is time for regular cleaning. Spots that are not treated promptly can often become permanent stains. Most spot removers available to consumers at retail stores are harmful to your carpet and sometimes to your health. We can advise you or supply you with spotting agents that are effective and won't harm your carpet or you.

Many factors are evaluated to help determine your facility's individual needs.

Although many facilities have similarities, such as building style, business, or location, each of them has a unique set of needs. These may include:

•   Method of carpet installation
•   Carpet construction and fiber content
•   Use of the facility (law firms, high rise office building, retail space, medical offices, etc.)
•   Number of occupants
•   Foot traffic patterns
•   Weather factors
•   Soil type (outside soil tracked in, food and drink spills)
•   Management expectations
•   Budget

We work closely with operation managers, property managers, business owners and building owners to help create the best program for each facility and budget.

Our thorough understanding, professional training and extensive experience with these unique challenges are what set us apart from our competitors. Every recommendation we make is designed to significantly extend the lifecycle of your carpet, upholstery and flooring.